Agera R— Ready to take on Bugatti Veyron!

It’s not an old story when a Swedish car manufacturer based in Ängelholm pulled out a colossal machine in the world dominated by the Italian supercars. Who in the world would have thought about producing better (or even close) supercars than the German and Italian supercars? Well the one, who thought, now has it…

Koenigsegg Agera R-front-diffuser-lights

Christian Von Koenigsegg aimed at producing some of the fastest cars in the world. The northern European country of Sweden then produced some of the most gorgeous and brutal supercars in the world who occupied the show shortly, ruled it then. So now, Bugatti Veyron is at the top with the Super Sport edition ripping apart the roads with its 1200 horses. But Koenigsegg hasn’t given up. The fierce competitor of the mighty Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is born. It is called Koenigsegg Agera R, the hardcore version of the Agera. This is what the ferocity look like… 

Even before the official launch, this car has gained a lot of repute which is evident from its “Hyper car of the Year 2011” award by Top Gear.

Base Price:

[  $ 1.6 million USD ]

Performance:

The Koenigsegg Agera R delivers incredible numbers, which are even hard to believe.

Engine:

5.0 litre Twin Turbo V8 (32 cylinders—DOHC)

Power:

1115 hp¹ @ 6,900 rpm

Torque:

885 lb-ft (1200 Nm)² @ 4,100 rpm

Red Line:

7,250 rpm

Drive Line:

Rear wheel drive

Transmission:

7-speed Dual Clutch gearbox

Compression ratio:

9:1

Acceleration:

        0—62 mph (0—100 km/h):

2.9 seconds

        0—124 mph (0—200 km/h):

7.5 seconds

Top Speed:

273 mph (440 km/h)

Lateral g-force:

1.6 g

Fuel Economy:

14.7 l/100 km (combined)

Fuel Capacity:

80 litres

Down Force:

300 kg @ 155 mph (250 km/h)

Curb Weight:

1435 kg

1,2 => This power and torque rating is with the bio-fuel E85 or E100. With normal petrol, it gives 940 hp and 1100 Nm of torque. But 98% octane fuel can give up to 1050 hp and 1140 Nm of torque output.

In Swedish, “Agera” means “to act”, and it’s glad to know that the action is all here in all its zest. Agera R uses the same engine as Agera which is a twin turbocharged rather than supercharged 5.0 l aluminium V8 (DOHC) with 4 valves per cylinder. The engine uses dry-sump lubrication system which allows the engine to be bolted further down in car to improve stability by lowering the centre of gravity. Transmission comprises of 7-speed dual clutch gearbox with electronic differential and paddle shifters.

The chassis consists of rigid carbon fibre monocoque with aluminium honey comb and integrated fuel tanks, weighing a total of 70 kg, to manage the right weight distribution. The suspension is double wishbone and adjustable gas-hydraulic shock absorbers. Moreover, it has triplex damper in the rear. Ride height is electronically adjustable.

The exhaust system of this rampant engine, with 1,115 Swedish horses running under it, is a ceramic coated inconel exhaust system with merge collectors ending in a single large central tunnel exhaust.

The steering wheel takes 2.7 turns lock-to-lock to turn the Agera R specified tyres made by Michellin  to bear the road torture at more than 420 km/h. Traction control has 5 different settings. The carbon ceramic brakes’ performance is phenomenal as it brings car to rest from 200 km/h in nearly 5.2 seconds.

More ferocious turbochargers whack the ambient air in the engine and the boost pressure is 1.4 bars. The turbine technology is improved and refined and provide the torque and power over large range of rpms like more than 1000 Nm of torque is available from 2,700 to 6,170 rpms which is quite astonishing, and so are the results. The turbo chargers are made from an inter metallic material, comprising titanium and aluminium, called Gamma-Ti.

0—100 km/h is accomplished in staggering 2.9 seconds while rocketing towards 200 km/h which takes 7.5 seconds and the mission is not yet accomplished so the turbocharged V8 takes it to a theoretical top speed of 273.4 mph (440 km/h). To accomplish this, an aero straight stretch is needed to let this car glide to its top speed and that’s what Koenigsegg has been looking for.

Exterior:

Words don’t seem to suffice the beauty of this car.  Body of Agera R is made from pre-impregnated carbon fibre/kevlar. The shape, color scheme, cuts, angles, lights; they all seem to be in perfect agreement. The shape is familiar Koenigsegg’s, so are the wind-shield and windows. The feature of detachable roof stays and the roof also has glass on top.

Koenigsegg Agera R roof-view

In the front you see gorgeous front lights, a little bit smaller than older Koenigseggs. The main lamp is a bi-Xenon lamp and LEDs run along the edges of lights. 120 litres boot at the front has a small duct between the red lines and carbon fibre over-the-wheels vents. The front splitters and air air-intakes are accentuated for more down force and air-intake.

Koenigsegg Agera R front-view

You witness one of the coolest door mechanisms in the world on the sides, which are Koeinigsegg signature doors, called the “dihedral synchro-helix actuation doors”. Aluminium 9-spooke wheels (19”x9.5” front, 20”x12.5” rear) have central locking and they act as big fans due to their fin-like spokes to cool down the massive ceramic brakes. Behind the front wheel duct and a large air-intake features the sides.

Koenigsegg Agera R side-view-door-rims

Large grills at the rear help cooling down the soul of the car. Rear LED lights also have ducts for cooling engine as per Koenigsegg tradition. A big central tunnel exhaust is embedded in the bumper. The rear diffuser and a dynamic rear wing are emphasized to hold the car firmly on the ground and improve steadiness. The wing is aimed at keeping stability without producing too much drag. So as the speed is increased, the drag co-efficient lowers from 0.37 to 0.33.

Koenigsegg Agera R rear-view-lights-exhaust-diffuser-dynamic-wing

Koenigsegg have introduced a unique roof-luggage compartment, they call the ski-box or roof-box with 300 litres capacity, which can be taken off. This roof is rated at 300 km/h speed.

Interior:

Interior is a blend of carbon fibre and leather and looks very sleek. There are bucket seats with full racing seat belts. Spacious inside, Agera R has nice console, striking dash and jaw-dropping technology.

In the central console, above hand brake and cup-holder is an instrument panel, a multi-purpose TFT screen and a/c tunnels. Koenigsegg has used its “nano-tube technology” which gives clear view of buttons. A central button in the circle of buttons energizes the systems of this car as it has no keys.

Two spoke steering has paddle shifters and behind it is a single LED display screen with numerous information displays. It has speedo, rev counter, boost pressure, oil pressure, temperature, fuel gauges etc.

It has stereo, USB connection, dual airbags, climate control, tyre monitoring system, G-sensor, hydraulic lifting system, sat nav, power windows; adjustable seats, steering column and pedals.

Cons:

• The car runs on bio-fuel with more power but it is not readily available in many countries.

• The ski-box on this hyper car looks a bit odd.

Pros:

• If the theoretical figures about this car turn out to be correct, it would be the fastest car in the world.

• Detachable roof is a very cool feature.

• Improved suspension and traction have made this car very nimble through corners.

Competitors:

• Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

• SSC Ultimate Aero

• SSC Tuatara

Verdict:

Koenigseggs’ latest offering to the world of automobiles is worthy of an applause. It may be the one supercar which is not only good to drive but even better to look at. The sound is savage and like no other car. With this development, the race of top speed records has taken another sharp turn. Agera R indeed embodies the essence of a Koenigsegg…

Koenigsegg Agera R front-view1